Wallabies In Sight For Youthful Munster

Two years ago, players like Donnacha Ryan, James Coughlan, Niall Ronan and Billy Holland stepped up to the mark as Munster came agonisingly close to a prized win over New Zealand. The province's head coach Tony McGahan will demand a similar effort when Australia visit Thomond Park next Tuesday.

Alan Quinlan (36) and Doug Howlett (32) are the elder statesmen of a Munster squad that is laced with Academy and fringe players, who will undoubtedly relish the chance to test themselves against the touring Wallabies.

Tony McGahan's 30-man panel for next Tuesday's game is dominated by promising youngsters. Among them are hooker Mike Sherry and versatile back Ivan Dineen, who were both recent try scorers in the Magners League.

New prop Peter Borlase, who arrives from Wellington today (Thursday), will be keen to get a runout at Thomond Park, while fellow New Zealander Sam Tuitupou is back from suspension.

Meanwhile, the fit-again Barry Murphy is set to make his seasonal bow for Munster, after showing good form for UL Bohemians in recent weeks.

Memories of that night in November 2008 when some Munster magic had the All Blacks on the brink of a shock defeat are still fresh in the mind. Another high octane display like that is exactly what McGahan will want from his young guns next week.

"There are a number of young men who played that night (against New Zealand) who brought a lot of credit to Munster Rugby but also to themselves, and we'll be looking for similar performances," he explained.

"They might need time to apply what they've learned and that can come in many forms, such as tactical or core skills, but the biggest thing is confidence.

"A lot of the young guys who played that evening have really kicked on and you gather a lot from being in that sort of environment playing. It might not all be present immediately, but certainly down the track those things come to the fore."

Ankle, back and hamstring injuries have prevented Barry Murphy from playing for Munster since September of last year. It has been a long road back for the Limerick man, but it is a journey he has learnt a lot from.

"I never for a minute thought my career was over. It was very frustrating but I knew it was going to come right," admitted Murphy.

"I came back in April for a game with UL Bohs and lasted four minutes. I went over on my ankle again.

"That was a pretty low point but there are a lot of inspiring people around who have also gone through tough times...you see what Jerry Flannery and Paul O'Connell have to go through.

"I've been working with those guys every day, having lunch and chatting, keeping each other in high spirits. When you've got people like that around it makes it a lot easier.

"I firmly believe that these experiences stand to you and while I might have missed a lot of rugby, I still learnt a lot in the year.

"Tuesday is my first chance to prove to the management that I am still a force to be reckoned with. I just need game-time."

Murphy scored a try in that 18-16 defeat to the All Blacks - the only try Graham Henry's side conceded on their Grand Slam tour - and has fond memories of the occasion.

"It was an incredible night and I'll never forget it. It was unbelievable - the build-up, the history, the crowd, the atmosphere.

"We have a lot of connections with New Zealand and even travelled there as a family. Every Kiwi who came to Limerick for the first 15 years in my life seemed to stop off at our house for a couple of weeks."

McGahan is obviously pleased to have Murphy back fit and available, with the 27-year-old centre/winger adding his experience to a relatively young backs division for this game.

"Barry has been an integral part of Munster Rugby for a long period. He has struggled for continuity of games and training time and that's tough.

"So full credit to Barry and his determination to play for Munster," he added.

The countdown is on to the Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23. Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens & Women's Rugby, previews what promises to be an exciting couple of days.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Jenny Murphy talks about the progress made by the Ireland Women's Sevens team and their pool draw for the upcoming Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Conor Murray and Tommy Bowe speak to Irish Rugby TV about their Rugby World Cup preparations and thank the thousands of supporters who came out to see the players at the open training session at the Sportsground.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell gives his verdict on the team's new Rugby World Cup jersey and talks about his move to French club Toulon. Ireland's RWC 2015 range is available to pre-order now from http://shop.irishrugby.ie.

Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens, talks about the target of a top three finish for both the Ireland Men and Women in Lisbon this weekend, as they continue on their quests for Olympic qualification.

Tom Daly, who recently captained the Ireland Men's Sevens team to the European Division C and B titles, is looking forward to playing in this weekend's Rugby Europe Olympic Repechage tournament in Lisbon, Portugal.

Ireland will host the 'Women's Sevens Dublin' at UCD on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23. Tournament director Garrett Tubridy and Ireland stars Lucy Mulhall, Jenny Murphy and Louise Galvin speak about their excitement ahead of the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series qualifier.

Coach Allen Clarke and stand-in captain Billy Holland answer questions from the media following Emerging Ireland's 45-12 victory over Georgia in the final round of their successful Tbilisi Cup campaign.

Emerging Ireland coach Allen Clarke speaks about his side's five-try 33-7 win over Uruguay in the Tbilisi Cup and the first half injury to captain Rhys Ruddock. They wrap up the tournament against hosts Georgia on Sunday.

Speaking about the floods that occurred following the Tbilisi Cup's first round, Emerging Ireland team manager Joey Miles said: "A natural event like that, a tragedy like that puts the game of rugby into perspective. We express our regrets to the Georgian people and the Georgian Union for the terrible tragedy that they had."

David O'Reilly from the IRFU Charitable Trust's Corporate Patrons Committee speaks about the new scheme which provides businesses with unique networking opportunities and provides a platform for companies to effectively activate their CSR programmes. For further information, please contact Linda Black of the Charitable Trust - telephone (01) 6473866 or email: linda.black@irfu.ie / http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/34728.php.